April 30, 2024
Mountain Biking Off Road

10 Capable Walmart Mountain Bikes for Riders on Budget

Budget riders looking for good deals on mountain bikes should consider budget mountain bikes.

For more than half the price of main brand bicycles, the specification of parts supplied are capable of handling many types of road surfaces and will get you out riding on trails.

Schwinn Mountain Bike

👍Pros of Walmart Bikes

1.Massively capable for the price

Bike rips without breaking bank. Get all the bells and whistles of a standard mountain bike such as suspension fork, wide knobby tires while massively undercut price of big manufacturer models.

2.Specified with Shimano/Tektro Parts

Although at a budget price. The bike is specified with reliably named parts for brakes and drivetrain from Shimano and Tektro.

These give you almost same quality parts as budget named brand bikes with reliable shifting and good braking force when you need it most.

BikeSuspension TravelWheel SizeBrakesGearsFrame Sizes
80mm front27.5" x 2.1"Mechanical Disc2 x 8S, M, L
80mm front27.5" x 2.3"Mechanical Disc3 x 717"
100mm front, 110mm rear29" x 2.25"Hydraulic Disc2 x 9S, M, L
80mm front, 40mm rear26" x 2.125"Rim V-Brakes3 x 7one size: 5'4" - 6'2" Rider
80mm front, 40mm rear29" x 2.35"Mechanical Disc3 x 7one size: 5'4" - 6'2" Rider
80mm front29"Mechanical Disc3 x 7one size: 5'4" - 6'2" Rider
80mm front, 40mm rear29" x 2.25"Mechanical Disc3 x 818"
80mm front, 40mm rear29" x 2.0"Mechanical Disc3 x 718"
100mm front27.5"Mechanical Disc3 x 7S, M, L
100mm front27.5" x 2.6"Hydraulic Disc2 x 9S, M, L

 

👎Cons of Walmart Bikes

1.Hard time handling extra rough trails

Fork is perfectly capable on the smoother less challenging trails. The drawback of the cheaper fork means it has hard time adjusting when the trails get extremely rough.

2.Slightly heavier weight

The main drawback of walmart bikes are that the weight of the bike frame is typically heavier than main brand bike manufacturers. Extra weight is also added by the stock heavier wheelsets.

Mountain Bike Triple Chainring
3.Multi chain ring design

With many modern mountain bikes now using single 1x chainrings for the advantages of simpler shifting for general trail riding and less maintenance of parts. Your typical Walmart bike will not have this design and opt for either 2x or 3x front chainrings.

These chainrings while perfectly functional, are typically specified on bikes because they are in general cheaper parts to manufacture. Thus allowing the bikes overall cost to be kept low.

4.Less Choice for Frame Sizes

Frame sizes typically only available in a smaller range of sizing options. This means less choice and optimally fitting frames for each rider height. At the extreme ends, for very short or very tall riders, the bikes may give you an inappropriate fit.

In addition some budget bikes are only available in a single size frame, expected to fit a wider range of rider heights.

 

1) Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike

✔️Great for exploring and paved road riding

✔️Speedy 2.1″ Tires

Ideal for non aggressive riding and exploring, the Switchback gives you a solid option for those wanting to explore or for comfortable riding on all but the roughest of surfaces.

The 2.1″ tires  will not drag you back and allow you to pickup good speed and maintain it fairly easily. The 16 gears allow for good selection for climbs and also fast speed for riding on paved roads.

2) Mongoose Grafton Mountain Bike

✔️Great Value for price

✔️2.3″ Tires give good grip

The Mongoose Grafton mountain bike gives you full mountain bike capabilities for a steal of a price. Off-road comfort thanks to the front suspension fork and wide tires capable or running at low pressures.

Great option for dipping you toes in the world of mountain biking or for simply looking for a comfortable commuter / errand bike.

3) Mongoose Salvo Mountain Bike

✔️Comfortable full suspension design on a budget

✔️Hydraulic disc brakes give you incredible stopping power

The Mongoose Salvo is a full suspension bike at a fraction of the cost main bike manufacturers charge for similar options.

The front and rear suspension give you unrivalled comfort when tackling rough surfaces, bumps and imperfections on the roads surface.

The specified higher quality Shimano and SRAM components allow this bike to be ridden harder on mountain bike trails allowing you to push your limits more.

4) Mongoose Status Mountain Bike

✔️Best value full suspension mountain bike

✔️Soaks up bumps on cycle paths and roads

The Mongoose Status is one of the best value full suspension mountain bikes available. The rear suspension takes load off of knees, hips and back.

Great for exploring cycle paths and light off road use. The 2.125″ tires allow you to roll faster with less effort at the pedals.

5) Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike

✔️Mechanical disc brakes & full suspension

✔️21 Speed allows for capable commuting

The mechanical disc brakes give you good stopping power in the wet allowing for all weather commuting.

29″ wheels allow the bike to roll over obstacles easier, also allowing you to pick up and maintain speed more readily. The 21 speeds give you a good selection range for good pedalling efficiency at all speeds.

6) Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike

✔️Capable for wide range of uses

✔️Can be used as one bike for all purposes

The Schwinn High Timber Mountain bike can serve a variety of purposes owing to its good all around specification.

The 29″ tires and 3 x 7 precise shifting drivetrain allow capability both off road and on paved surfaces.

Strong alloy crank materials support heavier riders weight for general use.

7) Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

✔️Good specification for trail riding

✔️Durable Build

Built as a trail bike, the Traxion is a capable off-roader for general trail riding. The frame will help keep you planted to the ground for improved confidence when the conditions get rough.

The full suspension system allows the bike to soak up the energy from knocks and bumps allowing you to maintain full control of the bike.

8) Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike

✔️Lighter weight full suspension

✔️Good dampening on uneven surfaces

The Schwinn S29 offers lightweight full suspension bike for good dampening on off-road surfaces such as fire roads and gravel paths.

Heavy duty parts allow you to push the bike harder on all surfaces with confidence the bike can handle

9) Schwinn Mesa Mountain Bike

✔️Small to XL frame sizes

✔️Smooth suspension fork

Schwinn Mesa is an all purpose mountain bike with a smooth suspension fork that works well for dirt trails.

Alloy disc brakes and 27.5″ tires make for a fun and stable ride whenever you want to push the bike harder.

21 speeds allow for capable riding around town when required.

10) Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike

✔️Efficient 2 x 9 drivetrain

✔️Internal Cable Routing

Mongoose Tyax uses a strong frame with 146mm rear hub spacing to handle rough trail sections without issue.

The neat internal cable routing and well finished paintwork add to the bikes premium aesthetic.

Tektro hydraulic disc brakes allow for capable stopping power during  trail riding when paired with the knobby Kenda’s tires.

Full Shimano spec 2×9 drivetrain and shifters give you robust and capable parts with long use lifespan when maintained properly.

Jason

As a keen mountain biker of many years, Jason enjoys providing straight forward advice to beginners looking to get started with their new hobby.

View all posts by Jason →